Protective sleeve for a portable vaporizing device

ABSTRACT

A protective sleeve for a portable vaporizing device is provided. The portable vaporizing device may include a mouthpiece coupled to a cartridge having a tube formed of glass for containing a smoking substance. The vaporizing device may also include a heating element disposed within the tube to heat the smoking substance. The protective sleeve may include a tubular body formed of a compressible material and may be arranged to receive therein and frictionally engage with the cartridge and at least a portion of the mouthpiece, such that when impacted by an external force, the tubular body compresses and absorbs the force to prevent breakage of the tube of the cartridge.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/336,450 having a filing date of Apr. 29, 2022, which is incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a protective sleeve for a portable vaporizingdevice. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sleeveconfigured to provide adequate protection and prevent breakage of thecylindrical glass tube portion of the vaporizing device. The glass tubeis provided to contain an inhalable substance and is usually formed ofbreakable glass. Alternatively, in the event of a fall and breakage ofthe glass tube, the protective sleeve may serve as a temporary containerfor the substance contained within the glass tube until the substancecan be retrieved and properly stored.

Vaporizing has become a popular form of smoking in recent years. Peopleare using various devices such as vaporizers or vapes for vaporizing oratomizing smoking substances for inhalation. Plant substances are oftenpreferably used in the vaporizing process. A variety of smokingsubstances, such as tobacco and cannabis, are used depending on theindividual's preference.

Vaporizing devices are often powered by batteries to produce vapor andsimulate smoking. “Vaping” is the action or practice of inhaling vaporcontaining nicotine or other substances by a device designed for thispurpose. The vaporizing device is activated either by drawing on themouthpiece or using a button located on the device, often referred to asa fire button. The vaporizing device can produce an aerosol or a vaporthat is inhaled by the user. The user has a wide range of substances andoils that are available to consume for inhalation.

Currently, there exist many forms of vaporizers, but one of the mostcommon is the cylindrical type. The major components of the vaporizerinclude, but are not limited to, a mouthpiece, a cartridge including acylindrical glass tube for holding the substance to be vaporized and anatomizer for vaporizing the substance, and a power supply for containinga source of power, such as a battery. The glass tube is usually made ofa breakable glass and can easily break due to accidents from falling ordropping the vaporizing device or some other mishap that could break theglass. Once the glass is broken, the cartridge attached mouthpiece mustbe replaced and the substance is no longer usable.

The glass of the cartridge can become slippery if it becomes damp oroily during use and the vaporizer assembly could be dropped. If theglass tube strikes a hard surface or is dropped from a height, the glasstube could be cracked or completely shattered, and the substancecontained therein lost. If the vaporizer assembly is lying on a hardsurface and is inadvertently struck with a hard object, the glass tubeof the cartridge could break resulting in a loss of the substance.

Therefore, there is a need for a protective sleeve to secure the glasstube of the cartridge to safely prevent its breakage during use ifdropped or struck with a hard object. Further, there is a need for aprotective sleeve to provide sufficient grip on the cartridge andmouthpiece to help prevent the user from dropping the vaporizer on thefloor or ground. Further, there is a need for a protective sleeve suchthat when secured over the cartridge, the protective sleeve obscures thecontents of the cartridge to enable discreet usage of the vaporizingdevice to provide the user with a degree of privacy.

SUMMARY

Aspect 1: There is provided a protective sleeve for a portablevaporizing device. The portable vaporizing device includes a mouthpiececoupled to a cartridge. The cartridge includes a tube formed of glass oranother suitable material that is breakable in which a smoking substanceis contained. The vaporizing device may also include a heating elementor coil disposed within the cartridge to heat the smoking substance. Theprotective sleeve may include a tubular body formed of a compressiblematerial arranged to receive therein and frictionally engage with thetube and at least a portion of the mouthpiece. When impacted by anexternal force, the tubular body of the protective sleeve compresses andabsorbs the force to prevent breakage of the tube of the cartridge.

Aspect 2: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is formed of a flexible material.

Aspect 3: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is formed from silicone rubber.

Aspect 4: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve comprises a food grade material.

Aspect 5: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is removable from the cartridge and mouthpiece over which it isfitted.

Aspect 6: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve includes an outer surface having a decorative print, wherein thedecorative print may be a print selected from a group of printsconsisting of a text, an expression, a drawing, a logo, a symbol, animage, a slogan, and one or more decorative colors.

Aspect 7: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the mouthpiece ofthe portable vaporizing device is tapered and wherein the tubular bodyis arranged to taper in a manner corresponding to the tapered mouthpieceto provide air-tight engagement with the tapered mouthpiece.

Aspect 8: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve includes a length of between approximately 1.0 and 2.5 inches.

Aspect 9: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve includes an outer diameter of 0.38 inches.

Aspect 10: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is slidable over the cartridge and mouthpiece coupled thereto.

Aspect 11: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein in the event ofbreakage of the glass tube of the cartridge, the protective sleeve willserve to contain the smoking substance.

Aspect 12: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is open at both ends.

Aspect 13: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is made of a grippy material.

Aspect 14: The protective sleeve of Aspect 9, wherein the protectivesleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.28 inches.

Aspect 15: The protective sleeve of Aspect 9, wherein the protectivesleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.31 inches.

Aspect 16: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the protectivesleeve includes a wall thickness between 0.07 and 0.10 inches.

Aspect 17: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the mouthpiece ofthe portable vaporizing device includes a straight-style mouthpiece thatis generally cylindrical in shape and having a diameter that remainsconstant along its length thereof.

Aspect 18: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein at least a portionof the mouthpiece comprises a majority portion of the mouthpiece.

Aspect 19: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the glass tube ofthe cartridge is suited for containing a THC or CBD product.

Aspect 20: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein the THC or CBDproduct is a concentrated product.

Aspect 21: The protective sleeve of Aspect 1, wherein when secured overthe cartridge, the protective sleeve obscures the contents of thecartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective sleeve of the presentinvention fitted over the mouthpiece and cartridge components of a priorart vaporizing device wherein the mouthpiece component is a straightstyle mouthpiece;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the protective sleeve of the presentinvention fitted over the mouthpiece and cartridge components of thevaporizing device, wherein the mouthpiece and cartridge components arecoupled together and joined to a power supply for vaporizing materialsdisposed within the glass tube of the cartridge;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece and cartridge componentsof the vaporizing device showing details of these components;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece and cartridge components ofa vaporizing device showing details of these components and wherein themouthpiece is a tapered style mouthpiece;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the straight style mouthpiece andcartridge components coupled together and detached from the powersupply;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the protective sleeve of thepresent invention fitted over the tapered style mouthpiece and cartridgecomponents of the vaporizing device;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the straight style mouthpiece andcartridge components coupled together and attached to the power supply;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of theprotective sleeve of the present invention which includes a relativelythin sidewall;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the protective sleeve of FIG. 8 showing detailsrelating to overall diameter and wall thickness;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of theprotective sleeve of the present invention which includes a relativelythick sidewall; and;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the protective sleeve embodiment of FIG. 10showing details relating to overall diameter and wall thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11 , various views of the protective sleeve 10of the present invention are shown in combination with a prior artportable vaporizing device 12.

As best shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 , the prior art portable vaporizingdevice 12 is formed of several components including, but not limited to,a cartridge 18, a mouthpiece 34, and a power supply 26 (FIGS. 5 and 7 )for storing a source of power, such as a battery or rechargeablebattery. As best shown in FIG. 3 , the mouthpiece 34 and the cartridge18 are configured to be physically coupled together. For example, themouthpiece 34 could be arranged to be pushed into an aperture (notshown) located in the top end 18 a of the cartridge 18. In otherexamples, the cartridge 18 and the mouthpiece 34 could be physicallycoupled together by screwing one component into the other, or through abayonet fitting, for example. The mouthpiece 34 may include one or moreair inlets 36 so that air can be drawn into the mouthpiece 34 when auser inhales therethrough.

The cartridge 18 is generally cylindrically shaped and includes a glasstube 20 provided for storing and containing a substance (not shown) tobe inhaled by a user, e.g., a CBD or THC oil substance. The glass tube20 of the cartridge 18 may be of any suitable shape but is usuallycylindrical, and may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., glass.Disc-shaped walls 28 may be provided at opposed ends of the cartridge 18to define a space within the glass tube 20 in which the substance may bestored. Typically, cartridges 18 are available having glass tubes 20 ofdiffering capacities, e.g., 500 ml or 1000 ml. Therefore, the length ofthe cartridge 18 may vary. The glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may bea translucent body or a transparent body, for example. The glass tube 20of the cartridge 18 may be utilized as a window, so that the amount ofsubstance contained therein can be visually assessed. The cartridge 18may also include a coil 24 disposed within the glass tube 20 which uponbeing energized by the battery may vaporize the substance containedwithin the glass tube 20. The coil 24 may be formed of any suitablematerial, e.g., nickel, titanium, or stainless steel.

The mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18 may be “single use.” That is, uponexhausting the substance from the cartridge 18, the intention is thatthe user disposes of the mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18. In otherembodiments, the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may be refillablewith the substance, thus making it intended for multiple uses.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , at its bottom end, the cartridge 18 mayinclude a connector 22, for example, a threaded connector, to provide asecure connection between the cartridge 18 and the power supply 26. Asbest shown in FIG. 7 , the power supply 26 may include a battery, e.g.,a rechargeable battery, (not shown), housed internally within a housing32 of the power supply 26. The power supply 26 may also include acharging port (not shown) in the event a rechargeable battery is housedtherein. The power supply 26 may include a controller (not shown) thatcontrols the supply of power from the power supply to the coil 24. Thepower supply 26 may provide power from the battery to the coil 24 uponactuation of a fire button 30 located on an outer wall of the powersupply 26. Upon actuation of the fire button 30, energy is supplied fromthe battery to energize the coil 24 to vaporize the substance containedwith the glass tube 20 for inhalation by the user. The user has a widerange of substances and oils that are available to consume byinhalation.

Two different styles of mouthpiece are commonly employed in combinationwith portable vaporizing devices 12 of the prior ar. Those styles aredisclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the protectivesleeve 10 of the present invention is arranged for use in combinationwith mouthpieces having other configurations in addition to thosedisclosed in the present application. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , afirst style mouthpiece is the straight style mouthpiece 34. The straightstyle mouthpiece 34 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes adiameter that remains generally constant along the length of themouthpiece 34 as it extends from the top end 18 a of the cartridge 18 toa free end 34 a. Referring now to FIG. 4 , a second style of mouthpieceis a tapered-style mouthpiece 38. The tapered-style mouthpiece 38 tapersfrom a larger circular cross-section where the mouthpiece 38 is coupledto the top end 38 a of the cartridge 18 to a flattened configuration atthe free end 38 a thereof.

As best shown in FIGS. 8-9 , a first embodiment of the protective sleeve10 includes a generally cylindrical-shaped tube having a length thatextends between a lower edge 10 a and an upper edge 10 b. Referring nowto FIG. 1 , the protective sleeve 10 is shown fitted over the mouthpieceand cartridge components of a prior art vaporizing device. As shown inFIG. 1 , the protective sleeve 10 includes a length that extends from alower edge 10 a to an upper edge 10 b to cover the entire cartridge 18and the entire straight style mouthpiece 34 components of the vaporizer12. Alternatively, the protective sleeve 10 may include a length that issufficient to cover the entire cartridge 18, but only a portion of themouthpiece 34 coupled thereto leaving a free end tip portion of themouthpiece 34 uncovered which may be desirable to user's wanting directcontact with the mouthpiece 34 during use. Likewise, as best shown inFIG. 6 , the protective sleeve 10 may include a length that issufficient to cover the entire cartridge 18, but only a portion of thetapered style mouthpiece 34 coupled to the cartridge 18 leaving aremaining portion of the mouthpiece 34 uncovered. The protective sleeve10 may be any suitable length, e.g., approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches inlength, depending upon the length of the cartridge 18 with themouthpiece 34 coupled thereto.

The cylindrical tube of the protective sleeve 10 may include a diametersized to closely match or be slightly smaller than the diameter of theouter surface of the cartridge 18 coupled to the mouthpiece 34 to ensurea good frictional engagement between the sleeve 10 and these componentssuch that the protective sleeve 10 is held in place until a userintentionally moves it, such as during adjustment or removal of thesleeve 10. For example, the protective sleeve 10 may be stretched a fewthousands of an inch to snugly grip the mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18to ensure that the protective sleeve 10 remains in place thereover evenwhen the vaporizing device 12 is harshly used. Yet, the protectivesleeve 10 can easily be removed from the mouthpiece 34 and cartridge 18when the glass tube 20 is depleted. In one embodiment, the protectivesleeve 10 resists scrapes, household chemicals, body oils, andperspiration, and may be utilized over a wide range of operatingtemperatures.

To further aid this frictional engagement, the protective sleeve 10 ispreferably made of a grippy material which increases friction betweenthe protective sleeve 10 and the cartridge 18 and mouthpiece 34 toretain the protective sleeve 10 in a position which is desired by auser. For example, the protective sleeve 10 may be made of silicone oranother rubber-like or tacky material. One suitable material is a softflexible food grade tubing, e.g., a silicone rubber.

During use of the portable vaporizing device 12, the glass tube 20 ofthe cartridge 18 may often break as the result of accidents from fallingor dropping the portable vaporizing device 12 or some other mishap thatcould break the glass. Once the glass is broken, the portable vaporizingdevice 12 must be replaced and the substance is no longer usable. Theprotective sleeve 10 is arranged to fit snugly over the entire length ofthe glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18. In an embodiment, the sleeve 10may also extend up and over at least a portion of the mouthpiece 34, 38.The sleeve 10 is arranged to adequately protect the cartridge 18including the glass tube 20 and the mouthpiece 34, 38 against breakagein the event of accidental dropping or striking on a hard floor. Morespecifically, in the event of accidental dropping, the sleeve 10 mayprevent breakage of the glass tube 20 where the cartridge 18 otherwisewould make direct contact with the hard floor or another hard surface.Alternatively, in the event of accidental dropping, the sleeve 10 mayprevent breakage of the glass tube 20 in the event it is the mouthpiece34 or 38 that directly contacts the hard floor or another hard surfaceand in turn exerts a force against the glass tube 20. Alternatively, inthe event of accidental dropping and breakage of the glass tube 20, thesleeve 10 may serve as a temporary container for the substance until thesubstance can be retrieved and properly stored.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 may be designed to provide a user withan improved grip on the cartridge 18 and/or mouthpiece 34 or 38 of theportable vaporizing device 12 to prevent accidental dropping of thevaporizing device 12. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 may bemade of a material such as but not limited to a flexible material. Inone embodiment, the protective sleeve 10 will protect the glass tube 20of the cartridge 18 from any impact such as dropping or striking on ahard surface. The sleeve 10 also provides for more discreet usage whenin areas that might be exposed to people while using. In one embodiment,the sleeve 10 may be configured to be suitable for different sizes ofportable vaporizing devices. In one embodiment, the glass tube 20 of thecartridge 18 could be a glass tube containing an oil, atetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil, or a cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , in another embodiment, the protective sleeve10 may improve balance of the portable vaporizing device 12 when theportable vaporizing device 12 is in a standing position on a horizontalsurface such as a table with the protective sleeve 10 mounted thereto.As best shown in FIGS. 2, 8, and 9 , the protective sleeve 10 mayinclude a relatively low profile or a thin wall to improve such balanceand prevent tipping of the portable vaporizing device 12 while in thestanding position.

As best shown in the figures, the protective sleeve 10 securely gripsthe cartridge 18 during use. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 couldeasily be removed and inserted to replacement cartridges 18 with amouthpiece 34 or 38 attached thereto. In one embodiment, the sleeve 10could be supplied in one or more colors, and tightly grip the cartridge18 (including the glass tube 20) and mouthpiece 34 or 38 to provide asuperior grip for the user, even if the protective sleeve 10 is damp oroily.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 is a molded part. In one embodiment,the sleeve 10 could be supplied in, but not limited to, at least 6vibrant colors and could be imprinted with logos, images for advertisingpurposes and other types of decorative applications.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 is made of, but not limited to, asilicone rubber material. The user could easily remove and insert thesleeve 10 over the cartridge 18 and mouthpiece 34 or 38 without anyeffort. The sleeve 10 is strong and pliant. In one embodiment, thesleeve 10 covers the cartridge 18 for allowing a more discreet usage andprotects the glass tube 20 from breakage from accidental falls or othermishaps.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9 , in a first exemplary embodiment, the sleeve10 may be cylindrical or tubular in shape, and may include an outerdiameter of approximately 0.38 inches and an inner diameter ofapproximately 0.31 inches resulting in a wall thickness ofapproximately, but not limited to, 0.07 inches. Referring now to FIGS.10 and 11 , in another exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 100 may becylindrical or tubular in shape and including a bottom edge 100 a and atop edge 100 b. The sleeve may include an outer diameter ofapproximately 0.38 inches and an inner diameter of approximately 0.28inches resulting in a wall thickness of approximately, but not limitedto, 0.10 inches. The protective sleeve 100 may be any suitable length,e.g., approximately 1.0 to 2.5 inches in length, depending upon thelength of the cartridge 18 and mouthpiece 34, 36.

The protective sleeve 10, 100 may be molded from brightly colored, roomtemperature vulcanizing, silicone rubber compound. The protective sleeve10, 100 cushions the glass tube 20 from various impacts and improves theuser's grip on the product. Inexpensive, brightly colored sleeves couldbe changed as desired to match, complement with the color of the powersupply 26.

The glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 may have a capacity of 0.5 ml. Thebatteries (not shown) may be rechargeable and provide energy to atomizethe substance within the glass tube 20 of the cartridge 18 for inhalingby the user.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 10, 100 could be used with any cartridge18 and mouthpiece combination having different lengths. In oneembodiment, the protective sleeve 10 could be supplied in at least, butnot limited to, 6 standard colors with almost any other vibrant coloravailable for large lot special orders. The 6 standard colors may be,but are not limited to, yellow, orange, red, black, blue, and green. Theprotective sleeve 10, 100 may be designed to be aesthetic and effectivein application. The user benefits from improved grip and protection frombreakage if inadvertently dropped, which should provide considerablemarket interest in the product.

The description herein is intended to illustrate possibleimplementations of the present invention and is not restrictive. Whilethis disclosure has been made in connection with specific forms andembodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various modificationsother than those discussed above may be resorted to without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Such variations,modifications, and alternatives will become apparent to the skilledartisan upon review of the disclosure. For example, functionallyequivalent elements or method steps may be substituted for thosespecifically shown and described, and certain features may be usedindependently of other features, and in certain cases, particularlocations of elements or sequence of method steps may be reversed orinterposed, all without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention as defined herein. The scope of the claimed invention shouldtherefore be determined with reference to the description above alongwith their full range of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective sleeve for a portable vaporizingdevice, the portable vaporizing device including a mouthpiece coupled toa cartridge including a tube formed of a breakable material and forcontaining a smoking substance, and heating element disposed within thecartridge to heat the smoking substance, the protective sleevecomprising a tubular body formed of a compressible material, andarranged to receive therein and frictionally engage with the tube and atleast a portion of the mouthpiece, wherein when impacted by an externalforce, the tubular body of the protective sleeve compresses to absorbthe external force to prevent breakage of the tube of the cartridge. 2.The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve isformed of a flexible material.
 3. The protective sleeve of claim 1,wherein the protective sleeve is formed from silicone rubber.
 4. Theprotective sleeve of claim 3, wherein the protective sleeve comprises afood grade material.
 5. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein theprotective sleeve is removable from the cartridge and mouthpiece overwhich it is fitted.
 6. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein theprotective sleeve includes an outer surface having a decorative print,wherein the decorative print may be a print selected from a group ofprints consisting of a text, an expression, a drawing, a logo, a symbol,an image, a slogan, one or more decorative colors.
 7. The protectivesleeve of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece of the portable vaporizingdevice is tapered and wherein when coupled with the cartridge, thetubular body is arranged to taper in a manner corresponding to thetapered mouthpiece to provide air-tight engagement with the taperedmouthpiece.
 8. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protectivesleeve includes a length of between approximately 1.0 and 2.5 inches. 9.The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve includesan outer diameter of approximately 0.38 inches.
 10. The protectivesleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is slidable over thecartridge and mouthpiece coupled thereto.
 11. The protective sleeve ofclaim 1, wherein in the event of breakage of the tube of the cartridge,protective sleeve will serve to contain the smoking substance.
 12. Theprotective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is open atboth ends.
 13. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protectivesleeve is made of a grippy material.
 14. The protective sleeve of claim9, wherein the protective sleeve includes an inner diameter ofapproximately 0.28 inches.
 15. The protective sleeve of claim 9, whereinthe protective sleeve includes an inner diameter of approximately 0.31inches.
 16. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the protectivesleeve includes a wall thickness between 0.07 and 0.10 inches.
 17. Theprotective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece of the portablevaporizing device includes a straight-style mouthpiece that is generallycylindrical in shape and having a diameter that remains constant alongits length thereof.
 18. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the mouthpiece comprises a majority portion of themouthpiece.
 19. The protective sleeve of claim 1, wherein the tube ofthe cartridge is suited for containing a THC or CBD product.
 20. Theprotective sleeve of claim 1, wherein when secured over the cartridge,the protective sleeve obscures the contents of the glass tube of thecartridge.